There have been numerous changes to the legal research ‘landscape’ that necessitated the writing of the 5th edition of A Practical Guide to Legal Research. There have, for example, been several name and platform changes, and many of the traditional categories of sources (eg, dictionaries, encyclopaedias and digests) are now merged into single search engines or platforms. Therefore, this 4th edition includes new and updated examples; updated databases, references and links; as well as updated glossary of key terms at the end of each chapter.

Importantly, though, A Practical Guide to Legal Research (5th ed) remains the most practical, concise and accessible guide to legal research. It presents the essential skills of legal research in Australian Law and International Law, and provides focused examples that allow readers immediate practice and the chance to develop their legal research skills. The Guide moves logically through the process of legal research by actually showing the reader how to do legal research. It is, therefore, an ideal resource for law students, legal information professionals and legal professionals.

Readers can choose to read the Guide from cover-to-cover or dip in and out of it to find specific information or skills (eg, finding and updating cases and legislation). Each chapter covers a particular type of legal resource or jurisdiction, providing general discussion and commentary, with specific search strategies and examples, as well as discussion of both subscription and free services. The Guide has two parts: Part I Researching Australian Law; and Part II Researching International Law.

The book is an invaluable reference for all those studying law and in legal practice.